yo gabba gabba!

For Trixie's birthday, we went see Yo Gabba Gabba! live.

What a fun show it was! After a slow start . . . [not for the show itself, but for Lucy's fears], a blast was had by all.

We had great seats in the front, but apparently a little too close for Lucy's taste. The show was a bit loud and a bit flashy, so Lucy and I moved back a few rows. We still had great seats, but it wasn't quite so in-your-face. Trixie, on the other hand, loved the whole thing and wasn't phased at all by the sounds and lights.

They sang all our favorite songs, had Biz Markie's live Beat of the Day, and The Super Music Friends Show starring Mates of State.



After the intermission, Muno and Foofa walked down the aisle right next to us. Muno had stopped there for a few minutes. I really wanted to touch him, but I was afraid that Lucy would freak out [She was sitting right next to him but, fortunately, was fixated on DJ Lance Rock and Plex up on stage and didn't notice him or Foofa until they had walked by]. phew

Thanks for a great time, Grandpa!

For those of you not familiar with Yo Gabba Gabba!, here is their official website where you can check them out: yogabbagabba.com

soccer mom

It's official - I have become a . . . soccer mom [oy].

No, this does not mean I will be purchasing a mini-van or become one of those stereotypical soccer moms - though I did have the pleasure of meeting a few on the field . . .

Lucy has joined a soccer team. She was a little slow to warm up [and stayed pretty close to my side]. But by the end of the day, I was stepping further and further away and she was playing with the best of them - she stole the ball and even scored a goal!! [pretty headband and all]

It actually was lots of fun watching these little 4- and 5-year-olds, who really had no idea what was going on, kick the ball and run around the field.

new year, new lunchbox

Lucy has started school again and was back into the swing without missing a beat.

She's off on another learning adventure!

locks of love

After 4 1/2 years of growing her hair, we decided it was time to get Lucy's locks cut. [It really was too long - she was practically sitting on it]. Because her hair was so long and gorgeous, we just had to donate it to Locks of Love. So . . . Lucy and I made our appointments, and both got our hair chopped together.

If I'm being honest here, I was very nervous about cutting Lucy's hair. How will she take it [will she like it or be scarred for life?] Will I be cutting off all those beautiful curls - will they come back? I am happy to say, after the initial straightness resulting from the cut, the curls are returning. [phew.]

Fortunately, our hairdresser, Lisa, made it a truly enjoyable experience and really made Lucy feel very special! And, Lucy loves that the haircut makes her look older – her father and I, not so much.






After such a generous and thoughtful act, Lucy was well rewarded. Lisa let her pick out a sparkly butterfly clip and used a little flatiron on her hair too.

Then, I took her to the bookstore to pick a prize and out for an ice cream sundae.


Between the two of us, we donated 22 1/2 inches of hair.

Thank you, Lisa, it really couldn't have been a better experience - you are such a special person with a wonderful gift!! Thank you too, Auntie Megan, for the extra support!

If you're interested, click here to find out more about Locks of Love.

more beach

Because a few weeks at the Cape were not enough, we spent a few more days at the beach. This time we went with NanaPat, Auntie Megan, Charlotte, and Brian. It was great sitting on the beach in the evening and making sand angels.

The beach was not limited to evenings, though - we spent plenty of days there too, playing in the surf and perfecting those drip castles.

When we were not at the beach, Lucy could not get enough of holding her little sister, Charlotte. Trix enjoyed her company too – but by running around handing her toys or showing her pictures rather than sitting quietly with her. [Those pictures were far too blurry to post.]


Thanks for letting us stay with you, NanaPat - a great time was had by all!

cape vacation

We just got back from the Cape, all relaxed and tanned.






We really could not have asked for better weather. We were able to hit the beach every day, and the girls have turned into regular beach bums. After so much time at the beach, we saw and caught lots of critters too. Among the different creatures found, there were: crabs [including, dead horseshoe crabs, a mostly-dead crab, and live hermit crabs], scallops who would open and snap shut, minnows, chubs, and a myriad of sea vegetation.

And, because of the perfect tide schedule, the girls were able to perfect their drip-castle building skills.

While we were at the Cape, Lucy played her first round of mini-golf. And I must say, played really very well. Two holes-in-one [no word of a lie.] Her grip was a little off, but clearly it worked well for her.

Finally, after about a week, the cousins arrived!! We had lots of fun with them. Grammy took all the big kids for a walk to the beach in the morning while Trix took her nap.

In the afternoon we would all go to the beach [different from the one they walked to] for swimming [the cousins are regular little fish], exploration, and castle building.



You should have seen the size of this castle when they were finished with it!

We heard Freddie really loved the beach too. Hopefully, we will get to the beach with him sometime soon!!

A great time was had by all at Grammy's beach house . . .
Thank you, Grammy!!!

school's out for the summer

Lucy's last day of school was today. They had a nice little send off with songs and a froggie hat. Each graduate received a little diploma and a book to commemorate their achievements [very cute].

Beatrice cannot wait to start preschool [although, she might think she already goes . . . ]


Lucy's teachers were great and we'll miss them this summer.
Thank you, Cerissa, Michelle, Silvia, and Joanie! See you in the fall.

new kitten

Introducing, Isabella Rose "Bella"






As you can see, she is fitting in very well with our family . . .

[Bella was named by Lucy]

4th birthday

Lucy has been asking for a real guitar for her 4th birthday for the last 2 years. Now she has one - just like Laurie Berkner. She was a little tentative at first, but as soon as everyone stopped bugging her, she picked it up as gave it a little strum . . .
[Anyone know a good teacher for 4 year olds?]

Lucy's only other birthday request, was for Grammy to get her a princess cake. I think it's pretty safe to say, she liked it. [Thanks, Grammy!]

Happy Birthday, Lucy!

birthday buddy

Lucy is excited to have her very own birthday buddy.

Welcome, Charlotte Mary!
5lb 15.6oz
18 1/2"

texan visit

Lucy's Padrino Jerry and Bianca came up from Texas this weekend. Bianca bunked in with the girls, and they all had a great time on Grampy's air bed. [Thanks, Dad.]

We took Bianca on a whirl-wind tour of Boston. Right off the plane, Rob took them into Harvard Square. [There they enjoyed a little shopping and burgers at Mr. Bartley's.]

When Lucy got home from school, she helped Bianca make her first real [life-sized, that is] snowman and they had a little snowball fight. Lucy has named this one, TeddyBearSnowman [any guesses why?]

The next day, we took Jerry and Bianca into Boston. We started at the common, zipped thru Downtown Crossing, and stopped into the Old State House. We actually went through the museum - something I hadn't done since I was on a grammar-school field trip. [Lucy enjoyed the hats.] From there we went to lunch and Lucy and I left them. The tour continued on to the North End [for Mike's lobster tails], and then to the Top of the Hub.

I later met up with the group for dinner at the Summer Shack so Bianca could have her lobster. [Lobster and lobster tails where on her wish list of must sees.] I only had my phone, so the picture is very dark - I did what I could, though I think you can get the point.

On Sunday, we were off to the Basketball Hall of Fame. Another place I haven't been since I was a kid. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised at the remodel. There were lots of interactive things for kids of all sizes - even Lucy jumped for a rebound. Bianca was able to jump 9'11" [pretty impressive if you ask me].

They flew back home that night, ahead of the snowstorm.
A great time was had by all - we hope they come to visit again soon!!

Yes, they are Lakers' fans - let's not hold that against them.

first snowfall

We got our first real snowfall of the season. Plenty of snow for a snowman and sled-ride around the yard. Daddy helped Lucy make her snowman, while Mommy supplied the carrot, milk-cap eyes, hat, and scarf.

This snowman has been named, NanaPatSnowman. ["Why?" "Because it was MeganSnowman last year, Mommy."] Oh right, of course.

Lucy loved tromping through the snow and going for sled rides, Beatrice not so much. [Maybe because she got flipped out of the sled early on in the ride, and it was pretty cold out? Who knows, hard to say.]

Thanks for the new snowsuit, GrandMa!